Summary

Thomas thinks about the Germans as he directs his boat on what he suspects is their course. His evidence so far tells very little about their number, armament, or condition. Reflecting on the war, Thomas does his part well but feels no pride in chasing Germans down, saying to himself, "But you have to do it. Sure, he said. But I don't have to be proud of it. I only have to do it well. I didn't hire out to like it. You did not even hire out, he told himself. That makes it even worse" (p. 345).

Ara, one of the crew members, pleads with Thomas to eat and get some sleep, expressing a concern that the rest of the crew has regarding how hard Thomas pushes himself on their mission. While anchored at the island of Cayo Cruz, Ara and...